Vehicle Registration and Tax: What Expires When

Every country has some form of vehicle registration or tax. The names differ, the consequences of forgetting are similar.

UK: Vehicle Tax

Vehicle tax (formerly "road tax") must be paid to keep your car on public roads. There's no grace period.

If you don't pay:

• £80 fine (reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days)
• Late licensing penalty of £80
• Court prosecution for continued non-payment
• Vehicle can be clamped or impounded

How to pay: Online at gov.uk, by phone, or at a Post Office. You can pay annually, every 6 months, or monthly (direct debit only for monthly).

SORN: If you're not using the vehicle on public roads, declare a Statutory Off Road Notification. This exempts you from tax but the vehicle must stay on private land.

US: Vehicle Registration

Registration requirements vary by state. Most require annual renewal.

If you drive unregistered:

• Fines: $100-1000+ depending on state
• Vehicle can be towed
• Points on licence in some states

Renewal: Usually online through your state's DMV. Some states require emissions testing or safety inspection before renewal.

Canada: Vehicle Registration

Provincial responsibility. Most provinces require annual renewal.

Ontario: Sticker renewal annually. $120 for southern Ontario, $60 for northern. BC: Insurance and registration bundled through ICBC. Alberta: Annual registration, can be done online.

Australia: Vehicle Rego

State-based registration, typically annual.

NSW: $700+ annually depending on vehicle type. Victoria: Around $800 annually. Queensland: Can pay 6-monthly or annually.

CTP insurance is usually bundled with rego in most states.

The Common Thread

All of these:

• Expire on a fixed date
• Have no grace period for driving
• Result in fines if caught
• Can void your insurance

Add vehicle registration to your tasks. Confirm it when renewed, and we'll remind you when it's time to check again.